The Ultimate Travel Guide to Jaipur in 2024-25

Jaipur, one of the oldest cities in India and famously known as the Pink City, is surrounded by the Aravali Hills. Established in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Singh II, it was the first planned city in India, designed according to Vastu Shastra principles. The city’s pride lies in its massive forts, palaces, bazaars, and temples, making it the key highlight of Jaipur tourism.

These attractions are rich in history and culture, shaped by the influence of various rulers.Are you curious about why it’s called the Pink City, or want to know its famous landmarks, best time to visit, travel tips, and more? This Jaipur Travel Guide has got you covered for a perfect tour.Plan your vacation with our Jaipur City Travel packages.

Why Jaipur Known as Pink City

In 1876, Jaipur earned its nickname, the Pink City, when Maharaja Ram Singh ordered the entire city to be painted pink. The colour symbolised hospitality was chosen to welcome Queen Victoria of Britain. The pink terracotta hue covered everything, from bustling bazaars to serene temples, creating the unique identity that Jaipur is known for today.

Places To Visit In Jaipur

Jaipur is a land of royalty and culture, visible in its top tourist attractions, such as:

Forts in Jaipur

If you are fascinated by imagining the royal era and want to go back in time, then the forts of Jaipur will do this for you such as:

Amber Fort: Renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful Indo-Islamic architectures. Its underground tunnels, massive courtyards, temples, and gardens make it a mini-city for Rajputs.

Nahargarh Fort: It is situated on the Aravalli Range and offers a panoramic view of Jaipur. The fort also has a wax museum, Sheesh Mahal, and a rooftop restaurant.

Jaigarh Fort: Home to India’s largest cannon and has a unique water storage system, museums, and viewpoints.

Palaces in Jaipur

The palaces attract tourists with their grandeur, design, and Rajputana history. Some of the hard-to-skip palaces in Jaipur include:

City Palace: It symbolises Rajasthan’s royal past, and it is the last home to the previous ruling Rajput

Jal Mahal: Its floating appearance in the middle of Man Sagar Lake creates an impressive illusion for the eyes. It is a five-floor palace, four of which are submerged in water.

Hawa Mahal: Built-in 1799 to extend the nearby City Palace, the palace has 953 windows on its exterior walls. Their honeycomb shape and intricate carvings allow breezes to pass through them.

Museums in Jaipur

Albert Hall Museum: Sawai Ram Singh II built this Jaipur museum in 1876. It has 16 galleries and many exquisite exhibits, including paintings, brassware, portraits, pottery, coins, woodwork, textiles, sculptures, carpets, and more.

Dolls Museum: Jaipur’s Doll Museum, built in 1974, offers an impressive collection of dolls in every size, shape, and costume. The museum features dolls wearing traditional state costumes. A doll museum located just four kilometres from the city centre showcases the dresses of Indian brides from Gujarat, Mysore, Kerala, Bengal, and Punjab.

Gyan Museum: Gyan Museum has something for everyone. This museum has much to offer, from contemporary paintings to antique pieces. It is a great place to visit for those interested in art history.

Temples in Jaipur

Birla Mandir: The White Marble Temple is situated at the foot of Moti Doongr Hill. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
Shila Devi Mandir: Shila Devi is one of the most famous Durga idols. The temple is located in Amer Fort. In 1604 CE, Raja Man Singh I of Amber brought it from Jessore to Jaipur. She receives special prayers on the morning of the sixth day of Navratri.
Akshardham Temple: Dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan (Neelkanth), this temple is known for its detailed carving architecture, cultural heritage, and spirituality.
Galtaji Temple: This temple is known for its natural water springs that never dry. It is also known as Jaipur Monkey Temple because many monkeys live there.

Things to do in Jaipur

With so many luxurious palaces, majestic forts, culinary delights, rural villages, adventure activities, and more, you will not have a dull moment in Jaipur. Here are some of the best things to do in Jaipur with friends, family, lovers, or solo.

Cycling Tour to Nahargarh Fort.
Savor Rajasthani cuisine at Chokhi Dhani.
Photoshoot Session at Patrika Gate.

Where to Eat in Jaipur

Jaipur offers diverse culinary treats, from flavorful street food to fine dining experiences. Some of the most famous options include:

Traditional Rajasthani Cuisine

Suvarna Mahal: Enjoy your Rajasthani Thali while watching cultural performances. (Taj Rambagh Palace)
Laxmi Misthan Bhandar: Munch Rajasthani thali, and do not forget the famous Ghewar. (Johari Bazaar)

Casual Dining and Cafés

Tapri Central: Rooftop café with great snacks and tea (C-Scheme).
Anokhi Café: Healthy, organic salads and sandwiches (KK Square, C-Scheme).
Curious Life Coffee Roasters: Excellent coffee and pastries (Sarojini Marg, C-Scheme).

Fine Dining and International Cuisine

Bar Palladio: This Italian restaurant is an ideal spot for a special night out (Narain Niwas Palace Hotel).
The Verandah: Indian and continental cuisines with garden views (Taj Rambagh Palace).
Peacock Rooftop Restaurant: Enjoy various cuisines with city views (Hotel Pearl Palace, Gopalbari).

Street Food and Local Favorites

Sanjay Omelette: Speciality in making over 150 types of omelettes (Bapu Nagar).
Masala Chowk: It is an open-air food court that presents various items. (Ram Niwas Garden).

Sweet Treats

Jal Mahal Ice Cream Parlour: Offering diverse flavours for your taste buds. (MI Road).
Mahaveer Rabri Bhandar: Famous in Jaipur for its creamy Rabri, which is also home to other delicious sweets. (Chandpole Bazaar).

Festivals and Events of Jaipur

Festivals in Jaipur strengthen the bonds of people of different religions, castes, and creeds. Several famous ones are;

Elephant Festival: Held annually around Holi, it features an elephant procession, traditional folk dances, and lively music.
Jaipur Literature Festival: Every January, this literary event celebrates Indian literature and brings writers, thinkers, and readers under one roof.
Kite Festival: This traditional event has deep spiritual and astronomical roots and takes place in January. It paints the skies with colourful kites and offers visual delight.
Teej: Celebrated in August, it shows a spirit of unity and reverence for ancient traditions and honours women and their marital devotion with cultural pride.
Gangaur: As one of Rajasthan’s most significant festivals, it celebrates marital commitment with rituals and rich Rajasthani traditions.
Jaipur International Film Festival: A major event for world cinema, it takes place in January or February and features screenings, workshops, and discussions with filmmakers.

Shopping in Jaipur

Shopping is a vital aspect of Jaipur tourism, reflecting the city’s culture and art. Some of the best markets in Jaipur are: For Garments

Tripolia Bazaar: One of the finest places to find lac bangles and traditional textiles, such as Bandhani Sarees.
Sireh Deori Gate: A well-known street market in Jaipur for colourful textiles and handicrafts.

For Jewellery

Johari Bazaar: Famous for its impressive collection of precious and semi-precious gemstones and handcrafted necklaces.
The Gem Palace: This market has an old vibe and offers antique jewellery that reflects cultural values.

For Handicraft

Chandpole Bazar: Offering a diverse range of items, from wooden sculptures to handicraft items and exquisite footwear.
Hawa Mahal Bazaar: A hub for traditional artefacts, and some of the popular ones are puppets and pottery items

For Mojaris

Bapu Bazaar: A famous bazaar for Jaipuri Mojari ( Juttis) and leather products such as bags, belts, and accessories.
Nehru Bazaar: This bustling market deals with adorned embroidery items such as Rajasthani Jutis, lehengas, sarees, and kurta sets,

For Home Decor and Souvenirs

Tibbati Bazaar: It is one of the finest markets for local souvenirs, such as traditional handicrafts, knits, and handlooms
Aravali Bazaar: This is known for its stoneware, giftware, and stationery items, which you can take home as souvenirs.

Best Time to Visit Jaipur

Jaipur experiences three seasons throughout the year. But choosing the right time for your vacation depends on your preferences.

Warm Summers (Hot season)
Refreshing Monsoon (Rainy Season)
Cool Winter (Dry Season)

Summer (March to June)

In summer, the city receives fewer tourists than in the other two seasons. The humidity and scorching heat, with a temperature range of 24°C —38 °C, make sightseeing challenging. But early morning and evening are the best settings for exploration.

Monsoon (July to October)

In monsoon, the city is refreshed with occasional rain showers and experiences temperatures ranging from 22 °C to 32 °C. The clear views and lush greenery of the Aravali Hills also rejuvenate you.

Winter (November to February)

In winter, Jaipur experiences excellent climate conditions, making it the peak time for tourists. With clear skies and misty mornings and evenings, temperatures fluctuate between 8 °C and 25 °C. During these months, you can also attend several festivals and events.

How to Reach Jaipur

You can reach Jaipur by all three modes of transportation: air, road, and rail. Some of the best options are;

By Air: Jaipur International Airport is well connected to the rest of the world. It is around 16 km from the city centre.
- Tip: Pre-book your air ticket for a decent price.
By Rail: Jaipur, Gandhinagar, and Durgapura are three major railway stations that regularly connect his city with almost all the regions of India.
- Tip: Palace on Wheels also runs through Jaipur on a week-long luxury trip.
By Road: NH8, NH11, and NH12 are prominent highways that connect major cities in India. State buses operate regularly in Rajasthan and from other states.
- Tip: Avoid using highways early in the morning or at night during winter, as heavy mist can make driving difficult.

How to Get Around Jaipur

Jaipur has numerous transportation to get around, and some of the most preferable options are;

Auto Rickshaws: A popular way to explore the city. Be sure to negotiate the fare before the ride.
E-Rickshaws (Tuk-Tuks): A convenient option for covering short distances around town.
Cycle Rickshaws: A slower, scenic way to travel short distances and take in the surroundings.
Buses: A budget-friendly option for reaching famous landmarks across the city.
Metro: An efficient and quick way to travel between major areas of Jaipur.
Rental Scooty/Taxis: Hire a scooter or taxi to explore the city at your own pace.
Rental Cars: Online cab services like Ola and Uber offer a convenient way to get around.
Walking: Ideal for exploring Jaipur up close and experiencing the local lifestyle firsthand.

Where to Stay in Jaipur

Jaipur has a long list of hotels and resorts for every type of traveller, such as: Luxury Hotels

Samode Haveli: Experience the royal life with modern amenities at this 175-year-old haveli.
The Oberoi Rajvilas: This 5-star home has resort-style interiors, a big lush garden, and a beautiful landscape backdrop.
Jai Mahal Palace: This luxurious hotel features an outdoor pool and a spacious Mughal Garden.

Mid-range Hotels

Ginger Hotel: This trendy chain hotel offers spacious rooms, modern amenities, an open rooftop restaurant, and a private dining service.
Ibis Hotel: It has top-class facilities, including a rooftop swimming pool and celebration event facilities.
Cygnett Style Ganga: This mid-range hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, and bar that complement your leisurely mood.

Budget-Friendly Hotels

Prime Garden View: It is an economical stay option for backpackers and those seeking a comfortable stay.
Tipsy Inn Suites: This hotel has comfortable rooms with all the basic amenities and is connected to major tourist attractions and vibrant bazaars of Jaipur.

Travel Tips for Jaipur

Always compare Ola/Uber prices with local auto fares to choose the most appropriate one.
To save money and time, go with a Composite Ticket rather than a normal one to cover more than one monument economically.
Hiring a professional guide to avoid confusion about where to start exploring massive forts and palaces.
Knowing what to expect from the markets of Jaipur is also a better choice.
Check the distance before picking any transport, as some attractions are within walking distance.

Jaipur Itinerary Tourists from nearby destinations like Delhi, Agra, and towns of Rajasthan often choose Jaipur for weekend getaways. So, here’s a 2-day Jaipur itinerary that indicates how to get the best out of the city with a mini-vacation.

2 Days Jaipur Itinerary:

Day 1:

Morning: Start your morning with Birla Mandir, then have breakfast at your hotel.
Afternoon: A tour of City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, and Swargasuli Tower (all are settled within walking distance)
Evening: Enjoy a shopping spree at Maharani Bazaar, Triploa Bazaar, and many more.

Day 2:

Morning: Early morning breakfast, go to Nahargarh Fort, and admire the 360° view of the entire Jaipur.
Afternoon: Explore Amer Fort and admire Rajputana and Mughal architecture. Then, head to witness the Jala Mahal.
Evening: Visit temples, then head to vibrant old bazaars to collect souvenirs.

Go Next

After exploring Jaipur, you can visit nearby destinations that are worth visiting.

Agra: The City of Taj is famous for its finest Mughal architecture and diverse cultural attractions.
Delhi: Famous for its historical sites, trendy attractions, shopping, and food, it sets modernity while preserving old vibes.
Pushkar: A prominent city for cultural and spiritual significance and is home to Lord Brahma Temple (The only one in the world)
Bharatpur: A heaven for bird lovers and nature admirers as it is home to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mathura and Vrindavan: These twin cities are known for temples and are believed to be where Lord Krishna spent most of his life.